Before we get into some soul lightening pop, here’s a reminder the Simple Plan show scheduled for Saturday at TD Place has been cancelled, after singer Pierre Bouvier was put on vocal rest by his doctor. The pop punk band’s show has been rescheduled for March.

Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay was similarly told to reschedule the first 10 shows of their tour, but that has thankfully not affected their stop here; they are on Friday at TD Place, and there is a two-for-one deal for tickets to this show on until 5 p.m., Nov. 18. (The pop rock band also recently spent their video budget doing good deeds around their home town, read more about it here.)

And, not pop but iconic and undoubtedly affecting all Canadian music, Gordon Lightfoot performs at the National Arts Centre on Saturday. Though the singer-songwriter has said there will be no new music from him, a song of his recorded in the 90s was recently unearthed and will be unveiled the day before his show.

Nov. 17/ Darcys

Toronto rock duo Darcys — they have dropped the “The” — have gone unabashedly synth-pop on their new album, Centrefold. This was a conscious decision to attract “global attention” by putting a veneer and dance beat to their arty, indie underground sound. (The thinking behind this move is partly detailed in an article written by the band’s co-founder and drummer Wes Marskell, about the struggle to survive as musicians.) Despite some reports otherwise, the duo is not that worried about being labelled sellouts, but were a bit concerned they might alienate their core fan base.

“We weren’t going to write this useless terrible music just to make us money, but then have to live with this terrible record everyone likes … It’s still us,” said Marskell, adding the “bright pink” branding, and social media strategy has led people to think the shift has been much more drastic than it has been. (That said, those looking for another art rock, 20-minute instrumental piece will be disappointed here; instead expect funky Footloose meets Flashdance, sung by your friend’s slightly dodgy but intriguing older brothers, circa early 80s — see video above. )

He does admit the album is less dark and serious, with radio-ready tunes. This has shifted the crowd at their gigs from “bearded men with crossed arms” who scour obscure music blogs, to “more dancing, more girls, more young people.”

It’s been surprisingly fun, Marskell adds, giving up the “exhausting” introspective seriousness of their previous songs for something more immediate (though, they still play some of their past catalogue). Plus, the anticipated backlash from core fans never materialized; they’re selling more records than ever before at their gigs.

“Now we put the energy out into the audience, and they give it back,” said Marskell.

For more changes, the core duo — including singer Jason Couse — will be playing without a backing band. This has forced them to up the performance factor and create “live personas” with costumes for their shows; “I realized how little I had to do on stage because there were so many of us up there before,” said Marskell.

A few months into touring, and those personas are beginning to bleed into everything: recently, Marskell, who normally boasts a fairly utilitarian wardrobe, bought a leopard-print windbreaker with fringe. “Yes, it will be useful on stage — but I think I bought it for everyday life, ” he said, laughing. With BearMountain, Townes. 8:30 p.m., Babylon. $15.

Nov. 17/ Pif Paf

In a similar vein, but with a bit more spacey, soft-rock nods, Montreal electropop duo Pif Paf creates danceable tunes that are simultaneously comforting and esoteric, but also belong in a dance club. The band is now a duo, but released their first album, Curry Love, in 2014 as the foursome Pif Paf Hangover. They have since pared down their lineup and name (“We changed the formation from a four piece band to a duo because the number 4 is bad luck and no one wanted to be the trio’s third wheel”), remixed that album, and this summer released the song Panthère, a funky ear worm — and their only French-language song — hinting at things to come on their upcoming album, due out in February. They play with popular local, lo-fi pop creator, Fire Antlers8 to 11 p.m., all-ages show, Bar Robo, 692 Somerset St W. $8.

Nov. 18 / André et Michèle, Transmit, Intangerines

Ottawa’s techno, noise, experimental synth fans have a spot to turn now: Low Noise Productions. This new label, an offshoot of the popular Spins & Needles craft and music evenings, is launching its first vinyl release (a limited, 12″ red edition), with four songs by artists from their roster musicians. This release show includes performances of house synth by André et Michèle, and techno psychedelic from Transmit vs intangerines, with DJ Phunktokta between sets. Space is very limited, so arrive early. 9 p.m., Possible Worlds, 708G Somerset St. W. $10 include a copy of the vinyl.

Nov. 18/ HIGHS

Toronto alt-pop band Highs are on tour with the vibrant sound off their new sophomore album, Dazzle Camouflage. It was named after a wartime tactic of hiding in plain sight by being dazzling. This collection of songs, produced by Luke Smith (Depeche Mode), is a mesmerizing, modern take on Pixies-ish 90s alt rock. There is a slightly darker edge to this release, over their 2013 debut album that offered soft background tones to catch their treble vocals and quick beats. That said, the album is still a celebration of sparkling art-pop. They play with local pop-folk group Loon Choir, and synth-pop duo Scary Bear Soundtrack8:30 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox. $10.

Nov. 18 / Ineke Vandoorn and Marc van Vugt

And not to be all about synth, this award-winning Dutch jazz duo bring their warm, inviting interpretation of classic jazz sound via their funky and sometimes haunting originals and improvisation to the Mercury Lounge — which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of special performances. Vandoorn will also be bringing copies of her book, Singing from the InsideOut, a handbook for singers across genres.8 p.m., Mercury Lounge. $12 in advance.

Nov. 19/ The Balconies

The first hometown stop on their new album tour is officially sold out, but we are told the pop-rock band is keeping back a few tickets at the door, available to the lucky few who get there first on the night. This hard-touring group got all our attention after releasing their tough and bewitching rock single War this summer, with it’s accompanying sexy video this summer, off their new album Rhonda that came out in October. It’s a concept album, about a fictional artist battling to be herself; for those of us more concerned with the sound, it is a Joan Jett meets Kate Bush art rock album — with a big dash of blues, some disco beats and a lot of energy. With Cairo, Mosely for a rock filled night. 10 p.m., House of Targ. $13.

Nov. 19 / Bowser and Blue

They’re comedians, they’re musicians and the two are inherently intertwined in this longstanding Canadian duo, who bring laughter while engaging in political discourse — and we can just imagine what is to come tonight.8 p.m., Westboro Masonic Hall. $30

Nov. 23 / TWIST

Fuzzy, garage pop duo Twist have finally released their debut album, Spectral, despite having make a splash not only in their home city Toronto, but also here, where we enjoy dreamy songs. Laura Hermiston’s muted vocals soar over their lo-fi, pop songs — think Patsy Cline meets Jesus and Mary Chain via Nancy Sinatra — with a sun-dappled, earnest touch to the sometimes ghostly, other times power-pop, but always catchy tunes. The Twin Peaks revival should be grabbing some of these for their soundtrack. With Mindy’sBay, PINE.8 p.m., all-ages show, House of Targ. Tickets: $10 inadvance.

Nov. 23 / Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà

This all woman, nine-piece, string orchestra led by violinist Angèle Dubeau is an exciting edition to Chamberfest’s ongoing concert series. On Wednesday, the world-touring orchestra — known for its passionate performances that showcase the talents of each the world class musicians , and their link to each other — will be performing the best from their repertoire in a 90-minute concert. This includes works by minimalist composer Philip Glass, the effervescence of Vivaldi and eclectic Ludovico Einaudi.7:30 p.m., Dominion-Chalmers United Church. $30-$49.

Montreal pop-rock act Simple Plan pose for a photo in Toronto, Ont. on Thursday February 18, 2016. The band has had to postpone its show in Ottawa after their lead singer was put on vocal rest. Ernest Doroszuk/Postmedia

The Darcys play Babylon with a new sound and a new album on Thursday. Maya Fuhr/supplied

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